Carlton-Granada merger to trigger battle for top job

Granada director of comms Susan Donovan and Carlton director of corporate affairs Peter Rushton, the top PROs at each broadcaster, are widely tipped to be in the running for the top comms post, along with ITV director of corporate affairs Nicola Howson.

All parties declined to comment on the make-up of future PR operations, each stressing that discussions had not yet begun on how top-level PR roles would be divided.

Howson said: ‘It’s been seen as logical for the press operations to integrate for years, but until people know how their roles will change, it’s

futile to speculate.’

She added: ‘We already work closely together, and the merger will allow the PR operation to be integrated even more effectively.’

Donovan heads a Granada PR operation of around 55 staff. Rushton’s team numbers around 20, while Howson has a six-strong ITV team.